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Examples for resource efficiency | Technologies | Environmental technologies
Technologies
Production and
manufacturing
technologies
The natural water circulation as model for the future greenhouse
Seawater Greenhouse
The functionality of conventional greenhouses is reversed in the Seawater Greenhouse. Here,
seawater serves as cooling system of the greenhouse allowing for the cultivation of vegetables
and fruits even in dry regions, which normally are unsuitable for crop cultivation. The necessary
water is obtained via an integrated seawater desalination plant.
The water demand of the Seawater Greenhouse can be
covered with the help of a solar powered seawater desalination
plant. Hence, it is particularly suitable for dry, costal
regions. In the Seawater Greenhouse, a simulation of the
natural water circulation takes place. Apart from serving as
climate control within the greenhouse, this principle allows
for the transformation of seawater into fresh water, which
is used for irrigation of the plants. In addition, plantations
outside the greenhouse with fruits like oranges or lemons
can be watered. Furthermore, minerals from the seawater
are used for the fertilization of the crops as well as for the
production of salt crystals.
The concept of the Seawater Greenhouse has been developed
by Charlie Paton in England and further researched
by the British enterprise Seawater Greenhouse Ltd. since
1991. By the end of the 90ies it was ready to be launched.
In 1992, a first pilot plant was set up on the Canary Island
Tenerife. Positive results confirmed the capacities for development
and, thus, suggested application in other regions.
Other research facilities ensued. The first Seawater
Greenhouse in the world used for commercial purposes
was opened in South Australia in 2009.
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The solar powered desalination of seawater represents an
eco-friendly and energy-saving alternative to conventional
seawater desalination plants. The obtained fresh water is
pure and distilled and requires no further chemical treatment.
Groundwater withdrawal is minimised due to production
of the necessary fresh water. The use of pesticides
can be reduced or even completely avoided by using the
’’germ-free“ evaporated seawater. For these processes only
solar- and wind energy is used. The salt, which is won during
the desalination process, can be sold as table salt – as
long as it is economically viable. Other minerals obtained
in this process are used for fertilization.
Barriers and Risks
The investment volume of solar powered seawater desali-
nation plants is high. Therefore, there is a serious risk of creating
dependencies on the desalination industry, especially
in poor countries. Furthermore, taking other environmental
protection measures, for example improving the water
management system, might not be given priority due to
the use of seawater desalination.